Force spectroscopy on single passive biomolecules and single biomolecular bonds

This article describes the recent development of the rapidly expanding field of single molecule force spectroscopy. As the advancement of this field was dictated by technical progress, a large part of this review is focussed on methodological aspects. Moreover, several instructive experiments will be presented. However, it is already impossible to cover the whole field in one review article. Experiments on stretching of single polymers, on force induced dissociation of single bonds, and on unfolding of multidomain proteins are covered whereas active molecules (molecular motors) will be excluded. The physical interpretation of the selected experiments is addressed. The connection between the experimental results and the underlying microscopic properties of the molecules and their respective bonds will be discussed. Especially kinetic effects are of high importance for the interpretation of these experiments.